Living in the 90034 zip code—which basically covers the Palms neighborhood and parts of Culver City—means you’re constantly playing a game of "will the fog burn off?" It's a specific slice of West LA. Unlike the scorched-earth heat of the San Fernando Valley or the chilly salt spray of Santa Monica, the weather here is a weird, middle-ground hybrid.
Right now, in mid-January 2026, we’re seeing a classic Southern California winter transition. According to the latest NOAA Climate Prediction Center updates, we are currently under a La Niña Advisory, though there’s a 75% chance we’ll slide into "ENSO-neutral" territory by the time spring hits. For 90034, that means it’s cool. Not "New York" cold, but definitely "I need a Patagonia puffer" cold.
The 90034 Microclimate: Why You're Not Actually at the Beach
If you look at a map, 90034 is just a few miles from the Pacific. But those few miles are everything.
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The marine layer—that thick, gray blanket of clouds—often stalls right over Palms. You've probably noticed it. You wake up and it looks like a scene from a moody indie movie. Then you drive ten minutes east to DTLA and it’s blindingly sunny. This is the "transition zone."
In 90034, the average high in January sits around 67°F to 69°F. It’s mild. But when the sun drops? It plummets. Nighttime lows hover around 49°F. Honestly, the dampness makes it feel colder than the thermometer says. Because Palms is relatively flat compared to the nearby Baldwin Hills, the cool ocean air just sits there, trapped in the street canyons of Overland and Motor Ave.
Winter 2026 Rainfall Realities
Rain in LA is always a dramatic event. We either have none of it or we have all of it at once.
For 2026, long-range forecasts from sources like PredictWind and the Farmers' Almanac suggest a slightly wetter-than-average January. We’ve already seen some decent soakings this month. Historically, February is actually the wettest month for the 90034 area, averaging about 3.5 inches of rain.
- Flash flooding on Venice Blvd is a real thing.
- The "First Rain" Slick: After months of dry weather, the first storm turns the roads into ice rinks because of all the built-up oil.
- Muddy Dog Parks: If you’re heading to the local dog runs, watch out; the soil stays damp here longer because of the coastal humidity.
What to Expect This Week in 90034
If you're checking the forecast for the next few days, expect a bit of a seesaw. We’re looking at highs reaching 74°F by Tuesday, but a quick cooling trend will bring us back down to the mid-60s by the weekend.
The UV index is low—around a 3—but don't let the clouds fool you. You can still get crispy if you're out walking the Expo Line path for two hours.
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Why the Ocean Temp Matters to You
Most people don't think about the water when they're sitting in a coffee shop on Main Street. But the sea surface temperature (SST) is the engine for our weather.
Currently, a "marine heatwave" has been lingering in the Northeast Pacific. This keeps our nights slightly warmer than they were thirty years ago. It also messes with the "June Gloom" patterns. When the ocean is warmer, the fog layer can actually get thinner, leading to weirdly hot spring days that catch everyone off guard.
The Seasons of 90034: A Quick Reality Check
Forget what the calendar says. LA has its own schedule.
Spring (March - May): This is the sweet spot. Highs are in the low 70s. It’s green. The jasmine is blooming. It’s easily the best time to be outside in 90034.
Summer (June - August): You’ll experience "June Gloom" (which often lasts through July). It’s 62°F and gray at 10:00 AM, then suddenly 82°F and humid at 2:00 PM. August is the hottest month, with highs occasionally pushing into the 90s if the Santa Ana winds kick up.
Fall (September - November): This is actually our "real" summer. September is often hotter than July. This is also fire season. If the winds blow from the east, the air gets bone-dry, and you’ll find fine layers of dust on your car every morning.
Winter (December - February): Sweaters and umbrellas. It’s crisp and clear after a rainstorm, offering those rare views of the snow-capped San Gabriel mountains from the top of the Culver City stairs.
Actionable Tips for 90034 Weather
- The Layer Rule: Never leave the house without a light jacket, even if it’s 75°F at noon. The temperature in Palms can drop 10 degrees in twenty minutes once the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier: Because of the coastal proximity, 90034 stays relatively humid (around 50-60%). You probably don't need a humidifier unless the Santa Ana winds are blowing.
- Gardening: If you’re planting, stick to Mediterranean-native species. They love the morning fog and the dry afternoons. Avoid plants that need "true" cold to bloom; we just don't get the frost for it.
- Air Quality: During fire season, 90034 usually fares better than the valley because the ocean breeze pushes the smoke inland. Still, keep an eye on the AQI if there's a fire in the Santa Monica mountains.
Basically, the weather in 90034 is about as "Goldilocks" as it gets in Los Angeles. It’s rarely too hot, rarely too cold, and just breezy enough to keep things fresh. Just keep an eye on that February rain—it’s the only thing that might actually ruin your outdoor brunch plans.
Next Steps for Staying Prepared:
Check your local storm drains before the February peak to avoid property flooding, and ensure your vehicle's wiper blades aren't dry-rotted from the summer sun. If you’re planning a hike at nearby Kenneth Hahn, aim for the 10:00 AM window when the fog provides natural cooling before the midday heat spikes.